Lot
180

A GEORGE II MAHOGANY TESTER BED

CIRCA 1760

Price realisedUSD 44,650

EstimateUSD 20,000 - USD 30,000

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A GEORGE II MAHOGANY TESTER BED
Circa 1760
The rectangular canopy with panelled underside and scroll and acanthus-carved frieze above a rectangular panelled headboard and garland wrapped cluster-column footposts with acanthus-sheathed baluster-form lower section and square base with blind fretwork and paterae decoration, joined by two side rails and an end rail each centered by a large acanthus flanked by acanthus-sheathed scrolled rocailles, the bed with Sotheby's sticker for sale 5498, the base with paper label inscribed 1397
99¼in. (252cm.) high, 59¼in. (150.5cm.) wide, 85¼in. (216.5cm.) long

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Lot essay

With its flower-entwined fluted posts, this bed reflects the Rococo 'pittoresque' style promoted by Messrs. Ince and Mayhew, as published in their Universal System of Household Furniture, 1762, pl XXIX. Although profusely carved with trailing rocaille in the full-blown Rococo style, in both design and form - particularly the panelled headboard, tester interior and restrained cornice - this bed harks back to tester beds of the 1740's. A related bed with the distinctive waved ogee-panels to the tester so characteristic of the work of Giles Grendey, was sold by Lady Cobbold from Knebworth House, Hertfordshire, Christie's London, 14 November 1996, lot 36 (£58,000).